DND Park washrooms
The public washrooms at the Department of National Defence Park (1451 Mission Rd.) will be open from dawn to dusk from mid-June to mid-October.
Previously, the washrooms were only open during bookings of the park. However, the installation of a new playground in 2024 has led to greater use of the park.
Concerns have been raised regarding vandalism incidents at the washrooms. According to an administration report, a 2021 vandalism incident resulted in $20,000 in damages.
Coun. Akbal Mund said that the washrooms "need to be open," because of the sheer volume of individuals who use the park on a daily basis.
"We have someone up there every day, and they tell me that there are at least 20-30 kids all the time," said Mund. "If we can get city approval, we can get cameras up there to deter folks."
Council approved the alternative motion to adjust the operating hours to seven days a week, from dawn to dusk, from June 16 to Oct. 17, 2025.
Funds, not exceeding $10,000, will be taken from the prior year unexpended uncommitted balance.
Finance Award
The city received the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its 2023 Annual Report. It is the 15th straight year the city has won the award for its excellence in financial transparency and reporting. The award was presented to Elma Hamming, the director of financial services with the city.
Sundog Festival
The groovy tunes from Vernon's Sundog Festival will be played until 10 p.m. after all.
The annual festival, held in conjunction with Culture Days from Sept. 19 to Oct. 12, will be able to play music until 10 p.m., an hour later than initially allowed.
The change comes after the festival was forced to move from Polson Park (due to construction), and relocate to Civic Memorial Park.
Administration originally allowed the "amplified sound" until 9, recognizing the "more residential character of the area."
Coun. Mund disagreed with administration's assessment.
"I don't see why they can't end at their regular time of 10 p.m., I don't think it'll be much of a disturbance on a non-school day," Mund said. "There is only seven houses around the whole area. I don't think it'll affect the area as much as we think."
Council approved the amendment.
Annual Report
The Vernon public will have their say on the 2024 Annual Report, as council approved the date for a public input session.
The report, which outlines financial results and progress towards the city's objectives in the past year, was presented to council in May.
The public input session for the report has been set for Monday, June 23.
